Hi! So as the previous post stated, I was currently overseas (but I'm back now) and on the day I flew back, was also the day of an event I am a part of. In the weeks prior, not only was I preparing for the house inspection, along with packing, I had to also find a costume to wear when I return. I had already thought of being a "Pirate" but instead of buying the costume, decided to get creative and make one. In my mind I had visualised what I already wanted. I already had a corset to use but had to rethink the idea because my 'corset' (picture 1) was a bit too sexy for this event.

Picture 1

I knew the perfect place to find things of all sorts would be at a thrift store (second hand store) so I went "THRIFT STORE SHOPPING" and this was my final DIY PIRATE COSTUME. 

Instead of the corset, I went with two different pieces put together. I found these two both at the same second hand store. 

  

 

This skirt is actually 2 skirts in 1. I found a skirt layered with black lace and bought it from one second hand store, cut it straight down the middle and then found another skirt (white) at another second hand store and then attached the lace skirt to the white skirt. I didn't have time to sew because I was overseas so I quickly 'safety pinned' it together before the event (Hehe ain't no shame in admitting it) 

I used a hair tie to hitch one side of the skirt up a bit to make it a bit uneven and tied a red off cut material to add a bit of colour there to match the red sash which is also part of the off cut material bundle I bought. I tried to make a bit of the skirt seem dirty to match the pirate look but it still managed to stay white.

To complete the look, I went for fishnet stockings which you can find pretty easily in local stores.  Initially I was after red but couldn't find either red or black in time, so I took whatever colour I could find.

The boots are my own, bought them a while ago from ICE.


You can add as much as you like on top of this costume, like a bandana, eye patch, accessories 

and weapons, pirate hat etc.

Total cost: $22.

Hope you enjoyed and feel inspired! This is the first time I've actually done a DIY costume and I'm pretty pleased with the result, so were many others. Til the next post - have a great week!


- Corina Jane (CJM)

Brisbane to Samoa

I write this post 3,916 km away from where I call home. We had busy couple of weeks and on the last week, we had a house inspection on Friday, a stake dance Friday night, a ward service project Saturday morning and a flight to catch Saturday night. When I say "we" I refer to myself, my son, my husband and my mom. We landed in the island of Samoa on Sunday morning at 4:45am (we were apparently really early since it was meant to land at 5:15am)

This would be the 3rd year I have travelled in a row and each time has been for a purpose. Hence why the caption in the picture says: "Never to Vacate, Always to Educate" When visiting Samoa, I've never really looked at it as a vacation. I've always wanted to find ways to better the living situations of my family and my husband's family there. Being here in Samoa has educated me in a way where it constantly reminds me to be humble. It always has a way of making sure I will always serve others where I can and to know that there are others who have it more worse than I, so I will always be mindful of how I live my life. But that's just me. I always want to find and do things that will educate me, remind me and uplift me based on my own findings, research and materials. Yup, I'm an autodidactic (someone self taught) I don't rely on what others tell me, I want to go experience it for myself, live it and learn from it.

In the time I have spent here, the heat is one thing I did complain about at one stage but then again, I thought: "I have only spent a couple of days in this heat with no air conditioning or ceiling fans but they have to endure this every day, all year round without the luxury I have at home" With this mindset, it has allowed me to look at every thing from a different perspective.

I'm only into Wednesday, we leave on Saturday but I will run down on most things in my next post! 

- Lots of love, hugs and kisses.

Corina Jane

I Just Haven't Met You Yet.

So as I am writing this, I'm listening to "I just haven't met you yet" by Michael Buble.

This song always puts me in a good mood. It has such a good feel to it that just makes you smile and it makes me want to dance at a grocery store haha.

But hello! I have been extremely busy and I'm heading for a busier weekend. But I wanted to write about my latest experiences about meeting new people. So if 'I just haven't met you yet' one day I hope I will.

Lately, I have wriggled my way in to trying to get to know new people. Everyone needs a friend right? How can you make a friend if you don't get to know other people? With the way the world is, what people need is a good friend to help them through.

In this experience, I noticed one thing we all have in common. It's L O V E.  We feel it towards our families, our children, our friends, our pets etc.  There was a time, when I first started in film and television at the Gold Coast and this was the first experience on set and there was this girl who was also there. There was alot of people there but something prompted me to go talk to her. So I did. She was just as nervous as I was. But once she had someone to talk to, her nerves went away and so did mine. We instantly clicked and as we were filming an episode, we made other new friends too. And when we were filming for 6+ hours, having a friend made the day so much fun.

When we are focused on others, you will always want to meet new people and make a new friend. If you have qualities that you know will help and bless the lives of others, wouldn't you want to share it with someone? in hopes it may help them? People need good friends and if you are that 'good friend', don't shy away - the world needs more of YOU. Smile and go the extra mile and find a friend.

So if I get to meet you, don't shy away. If you need a friend, consider me your friend and a selfie together is a must haha! For memories.


- Corina Jane

Are you feeling me?

I'm an outspoken person sometimes. At times I have no filter on how I feeI. If my feelings are on a high, it may build up inside and suddenly it comes out like and I quote from "Mean Girls" - 'word vomit'. Like this one time, I got the hint a guy liked me, the feeling was mutual. It was obvious in our conversations, in his voice and his body language but it was too complicated. Remember me saying that when my feelings are on a high? Yeah I ended up being the first to admit that I had a crush on the person to his face and well, it was something that just found it's way out of my mouth (maybe my brain was thinking it and my mouth just said it haha) In reality, I was never meant to say it because I didn't want to complicate it. On the other side, this was probably one of those 'just keep it quiet and move on' moments but on the upside, atleast I was honest with myself. Once it was out, I was able to acknowledge it, accept it and move on.

Honesty. 
A major thing I learned from this experience was being honest with myself and my feelings. If I had never openly admitted to having a crush on him, I wouldn't have known how to handle it or what to do with it. This provided me with the next step to take. It felt like I didn't have to mask how I felt anymore, it made me think clearer. With this confession, it allowed me to see what I wanted or needed or how much growing I still needed to do and what was really important to me.

There are many different scenarios in life where it requires us to voice our feelings whether purposely or accidentally but one thing that they all should have in common is to be honest with yourself. 


Fear.
This is the biggest road block that we encounter. It's fear. This is sometimes why it can be hard for us to say how we feel. We fear the feeling of rejection or feeling alone where you're the only one feeling a certain type of emotion. We may fear of having no one that could relate to our situation or having no one that understands us. Some may fear the 'unknown' or being in a not so familiar state of emotion and be lost. We can fear disappointing others and also even the most popular one - fear on what others would say. All these reasons may also be a reason on why it may be hard for us to say how we feel. When we constantly live in fear, we are only keeping ourselves from progressing.


Pride. 
This would be another road block right next to "fear" that could make it hard for us to voice our feelings. Sometimes when we're in the wrong and we know that we've hurt someone, our pride may not let us come down to Earth and say how we really feel while being considerate of the other person's feelings. This is something that will harm any relationship/friendship we make and have if we let our ego/pride overrule how to human 101. Learn how to be humble and maintain. 


Circumstances. 
In some cases, depending on the circumstances or situation. Saying how we feel may have to be postponed until a more suitable time, I'm talking about light issues here. But if it is an urgent matter you wish to speak to someone about as it impacts you negatively, I highly suggest you reach out to someone immediately and if you can't - seek professional help. Going back to my confession experience above, the timing wasn't the greatest for us both and we knew it but fast forward to now, I love where I'm at right now.

Note:

If you are upset with someone, tell them in the most considerate way possible.
If you want to declare your love, do it without fear.
If you want to say sorry, then sincerely forgive.
If you want give advice, freely give and live by wisdom.
If you have like someone, tell them without expecting.
If you're not happy, speak up and be honest.
If you care for someone, let them know by words and actions.

Live with no regrets. Whether it works in your favour or not - the main thing is that you were honest to yourself and your feelings. 



- Corina Jane (CJM)

Home & Away

H i.

I'll admit it that I kinda slacked off a little with blogging. So much has actually happened in between and to be honest, my mind was literally E V E R Y W H E R E. I was too crowded in thought to actually know what to write about. My mind was about to explode with everything that was happening around me, I honestly had to detach for a little while to handle life and come back when it all settles down.

Has everything settled down a bit? Not really. But I need to make an effort to write. The past couple of months I should say has been quite a rollercoaster ride, the one that goes up and down and just tornadoes through. In the beginning of August, we went through a loss but leading towards my birthday, August was going to be memorable for all the right reasons. I was endowed and entered into the temple for the first time ever! Also, had a seafood buffet waiting at home for me. In September, we received some life changing news and as we heading towards our wedding anniversary, September was going to be another milestone worth celebrating. A day before our wedding anniversary, my family and I were sealed in the temple for all time and eternity. Then our Wedding Anniversary on the 16th followed. My husband and I have now been married for 2 years.

I made new friends.
Such amazing people who inspire me daily.

Now fast forward to October 13. Which is today and yet there is another part of our journey to come.  Besides that, the weather has been crazy! We are supposedly in "Spring" but it kind of feels like winter with a mix of our usual summer storms. Til next time.

- Corina Jane

The lesson after breaking a heart.

I was turning 19 when I made an older guy cry. He was in his early 20's. He met me at work. He took me out on dates etc he was really nice. He was starting to fall for me quickly and I thought I was to but at that age, you really don't know what you want. But I decided to give him a chance anyway. Later on, another guy liked me too and I worked with him. I spent more hours with the guy at work because we work together than the older guy. Before you know it, I was torn between two. I didn't know what I was going to tell the older guy, so I never texted him back or answered his calls and I kept making excuses as to why I couldn't meet with him. I didn't know how to handle the situation. I didn't want to hurt him (I know right? such an inexperienced mentality). I assumed that my delayed response would show him that I was no longer interested and he would just move on but I was wrong. He found out about the other guy who liked me on good old Bebo and saw that he worked with me and he called me. I picked up the phone and he was in tears. THAT DAY WAS THE DAY I FELT THE PAIN OF BREAKING SOMEONE'S HEART.  I felt sooooo bad and continuously apologised for the way I acted but he understood that I was in the age bracket of someone who was still learning on how to handle feelings. I didn't expect him to fall deeply for me. But since this experience, I never wanted to be the one to break someone's heart again and I haven't to this day and I don't plan to either. I'm grateful for that realisation because it made me much more aware of how I was handling someone else's heart. The moral? No matter how hard something is to do, like exhibit A (telling the other older guy what was going on) if it should be done, do it. Don't spare the other person's feelings because really you'll be hurting him more by not telling him at all. If you care enough for someone, you have to let them know how you feel even if it is difficult. They have a right to know.


- CJM

What to do with a guy?

I'm not a shy type of girl. I don't find it hard making friends with the opposite sex or even starting a conversation with a male. I do, however, usually wait a while before I go ahead because in that space of time, it gives me a little insight on how to approach him. Don't get me wrong, there are times that I hesitate but it all comes down to confidence. My mom was like: "No boyfriend til after you finish school" But then I had this 1 boyfriend when I was 15 and it didn't even last cause I dumped him because I was more concerned with school and dance. After graduating school all the way until I got married, I dated many different types of guys. 4 of those relationships I took seriously and the 4th had me locked down. Through each of them, I've learned something that made me better and wiser. So I write this post particularly for the girls who are quite the shy kind, don't know what to do when it comes to a guy and also who lack the self love. Keep in mind, before you go chasing a guy make sure you  LOVE YOURSELF FIRST. That is the most important piece of advice I can offer you and that's the trick to being unforgettable. But keep reading.....


1. CONFIDENCE.

Confidence isn't knowing that you are better than everyone else. Confidence is believing in yourself that whether it works out or it doesn't, you know how to handle yourself and stand strong and be happy with either outcome. Confidence comes from within. It's how you think about yourself. How you view yourself as a whole and what you honestly think about yourself. If everything you think of and view about yourself is positive, then you are on your way to CONFIDENCE. You are beautiful.

2. BEAUTY.

Beauty shouldn't be the only thing that attracts the opposite sex but it does feel good to see yourself looking good. If you are happy with your appearance, along with how you feel inside, you will have a light or a glow coming from you that can blind someone. But take good care of yourself. If you like that natural glow, then stay away from make up but if by chance you like to enhance your features, try a little make up here and there, you don't have to CAKE IT ON like crazy but go with what you are comfortable with. Even, change your hair colour or hairstyle if you want to. There are many Youtube Beauty Gurus that offer great advice and even tutorials. My personal favourite is Carli Bybel - here's her link: https://www.youtube.com/user/CarliBel55/featured

3. UPGRADE YOUR WARDROBE

Find styles that you're keen to try and have a go. You will never know what clothes work for you unless you try them out. They don't even have to branded clothing, if you're looking for something affordable. Look for something that caters for your body shape. If you are slightly overweight and this is an issue for you, then look for something that is a little loose fitting. If you have short legs like me, then look for dresses or skirts a little shorter, so you can still see that you do have legs (Yes, that's why I never wear long skirts or dresses because my legs disappear) Remember the key is to LOVE YOURSELF first and feeling good about YOU will help with your confidence. Get to know your body, your body shape and tones that work for your skin colour also.

4. SHAVE... EVERYTHING (haha quoting MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2)

I am literally saying this title in the voice of the lady in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2" But I don't know about you but legs and underarms are not the only parts to be shaved or waxed (hahaha) I mean, it's up to you how you rock your lady garden but I do recommend to prune your garden with a trim or go Brazilian. Make it look pretty. It doesn't even have to be for a guy. I mean even bedazzling your Vajayjay can make you feel good.

5. MAKE HIM LAUGH.

Guys actually love to have a good laugh and he'll be fixated on you if you can make him laugh. Who doesn't like to laugh? Laughing is the best medicine and if in return you're laughing too that is a win win situation. Seeing him laugh will encourage you more to do so.

6. COMPLIMENT HIM.

I love giving compliments and it feels good to also receive compliments too. But compliment him. Compliment his eyes, his hair, his smile and his personality. A compliment goes a long way and when he hears that you like his laugh, his jokes and all the above etc - it gives him a confidence boost. This will also make him smile, it may even make him shy away or blush. Nothing good than an ego boost, trust me - I think it's a guy thing but just like how we like to hear how good we look, I guess the same thing applies to them (even when they lowkey be like ewww, really they love it)

7. TAKE INTEREST

Yes, if football isn't your thing but the guy you're interested in is such a big fan of it? It certainly does help to learn about the sport or even remember what team he supports. If he's more a gamer, pay attention to the games he's interested in. If you take interest in what he likes and enjoys, he'll see he has your support and interest at heart.

8. USE YOUR ASSETS THE RIGHT WAY

You don't have to wear skimpy outfits to get him to wonder what you look like underneath. What you do need to do is find out your strengths and use it. So, for me - my people skills are an asset for me, so I use that skill to connect to people including those of the opposite sex. My talents are an asset for me, so I use that skill to show and teach others how to dance and perform etc and so on. So find out what your assets are and use that to get you an upper hand. Show him. Some guys actually love a girl that's inspiring and smart and you will set yourself apart from the Kim Kardashians in the world. Not only does this make you unique but it helps you discover yourself and what you are capable of doing.

9. KNOW HOW TO HANDLE REJECTION

I haven't experienced this BUT I've seen it. You are not going to be everyone's cup of tea. Things may not go the way you had planned and you have to prepare yourself for this. So many girls forget that and therefore get absolutely upset when a guy isn't as interested in them as they thought. When you've worked on your confidence, handling rejection will be a piece of cake. But please don't think every guy wants you, when you think like that, you set yourself up for failure - not every guy has the same taste in girls. If by any chance you get rejected or friend zoned, pick yourself up and remember that, that he is only 1 guy in 1 billion guys in the world, there's many more out there to try haha.

10. FLIRTY

Don't forget to have fun and be flirtatious, even if you think you look ridiculous. Being fun and flirtatious can show how much of a fun person you are to be around.



You've reached the end.
Please remember to LOVE YOURSELF FIRST and if you see the guy isn't getting the hint or just isn't interested, move on. Some guys don't even know what's right in front of them and in the process, you've learned to build your confidence. Either way, you're winning!